Mumbai: In a turbulent quarter, Next Mediaworks Limited grappled with rising expenses and declining financial health, as revealed in its Q2 FY2025 financial results. While the media sector navigates shifting consumer behavior and rising operational costs, Next Mediaworks reported a significant consolidated net loss of Rs 766 lakhs, a 33.7 per cent deeper loss compared to Rs 572 lakhs in the same period last year. The company’s net worth remains eroded, raising concerns about its operational stability.
Revenue from operations in Q2 FY2025 rose by 4.4 per cent to Rs 845 lakhs from Rs 809 lakhs a year earlier. This increase, however, was overshadowed by surging expenses:
- Employee Costs: Down 18.6 per cent YoY, but up QoQ, indicating potential layoffs in Q1.
- Radio License Fees: Steady at Rs 349 lakhs, reflecting the fixed cost structure of its business.
- Finance Costs: Ballooned to Rs 585 lakhs, a 12.7 per cent YoY increase, highlighting mounting financial obligations.
- Depreciation and Other Expenses: Combined, they surged 22 per cent, adding strain to profitability.
Consequently, the EBITDA margin turned negative, showcasing the pressure from these rising costs. A critical blow came from exceptional items amounting to Rs 436 lakhs, further exacerbating losses. With losses widening, the company's Earnings Per Share (EPS) slumped to Rs (0.68) from Rs (0.50) last year, reflecting investor concerns over sustainable returns.
Cash and cash equivalents dwindled to Rs 67 lakhs, down sharply from Rs 762 lakhs at the beginning of the period. Despite receiving financial backing from its holding company, the lack of external borrowings raises doubts about its long-term solvency.
To weather these challenges, Next Mediaworks plans to focus on cost optimisation while leveraging its core radio broadcast segment, which contributed 89 per cent to revenues this quarter. Strategic pivots, such as exploring digital audio platforms, might mitigate traditional revenue declines.
The radio industry in India faces stiff competition from streaming platforms, coupled with regulatory overheads like license fees. For Next Mediaworks, the road to recovery will demand innovation and robust financial restructuring.
